Cerclage suture tensioner and methods of tensioning

Abstract

A surgical tensioner and methods for surgical repairs. A tensioner can tension a flexible strand (suture or wire) attached to tissue (for example, graft or bone segments). A tensioner can include an angled tip with a split hole to past-point on a knot and lock the construct during tensioning. A tensioner can include a securing mechanism that can capture a flexible strand and lock it into place.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of bone cerclage, comprising:
 wrapping a suture around bone at least once; 
 securing the suture to the bone; 
 passing a first end of the suture through a first passage in a tip of a tensioner and passing a second end of the suture through a second passage in the tip of the tensioner; and 
 exerting tension on the first end and the second end to tension the suture. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein securing the suture to the bone includes tying at least one knot. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , wherein securing the suture to the bone includes providing a sliding knot between the first end and the second end. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first passage is adjacent the second passage. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first passage is in contact with the second passage.